JOURNEYS YEARLY SOLAR RETURN REPORT

 

Once each year, the Sun returns to the exact position that it held at the time of your birth.  This report outlines the astrological influences on the year ahead for the positions of the planets at the precise time of your annual solar return.

 

The report delineates the influence of the Ascendant, Midheaven, Sun, Moon, and each of the nine planets as they interact with each other and with the Houses of the horoscope.  Because there is such a wealth of information, you may find it helpful to orient yourself by first reading the following three sections in their entirety (including their subsections):

 

§2 - The Solar Return Sun: The Central Focus of the Year.

 

§3 - The Solar Return Ascendant: Personal Themes for the Year.

 

§15 - Connections between Planets and House Cusps:  Key Events of the Coming Year.

 

The report is based on your natal and solar return charts cast for the following data:

 

 

Annie

September 18, 1967  7:36:00 PM

Toronto, Canada

Time Zone: 04:00 (EDT)

Longitude: 079° W 23'

Latitude: 43° N 39'

 

Annie Rtn for 9/17/08

September 17, 2008  5:40:51 PM

Solar Return, 0° Separation

Montréal, Canada

Time Zone: 04:00 (EDT)

Longitude: 073° W 34'

Latitude: 45° N 31'

 

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

Natal and Return Data Used in this Report

 

§1.0 - Introductory Comments: What is a Solar Return?

 

§2.0 - The Solar Return Sun: The Central Focus of the Year

 

§2.1 - The House Occupied by the Sun: Major Issues of the Year

 

§2.2 - The Sun's Aspects in the Solar Return Chart

 

§3.0 - The Solar Return Ascendant: Personal Themes for the Year

 

§3.1 - The Return House Containing the Planet Ruling the Return Ascendant

 

§3.2 - The Natal House Highlighted by the Solar Return Ascendant

 

§3.3 - Aspects of the Ascendant in the Solar Return Chart

 

§3.4 - Planets Rising in the 1st House of the Solar Return Chart

 

§4.0 - The Solar Return Midheaven: Worldly Status, Career, and Public Activity

 

§4.1 - The Return House Containing the Planet Ruling the Return Midheaven

 

§4.2 - The Natal House Highlighted by the Solar Return Midheaven

 

§4.3 - Aspects of the Midheaven in the Solar Return Chart

 

§4.4 - Planets in the 10th House of the Solar Return Chart

 

§5.0 - The Solar Return Moon: Your Emotional Life

 

§5.1 - Aspects of the Moon in the Solar Return Chart

 

§6.0 - Mercury: Communication, Learning, Short Trips

 

§6.1 - Aspects of Mercury in the Solar Return Chart

 

§7.0 - Venus: Love, Money, Values, Relationships

 

§7.1 - Aspects of Venus in the Solar Return Chart

 

§8.0 - Mars: Initiative, Leadership, Drive

 

§8.1 - Aspects of Mars in the Solar Return Chart

 

§9.0 - Jupiter: Opportunities for Growth and Expansion

 

§10.0 - Saturn: Duty, Responsibility, Important Lessons, Hardship

 

§10.1 - Aspects of Saturn in the Solar Return Chart

 

§11.0 - Uranus: Novelty, Originality, Disruption

 

§11.1 - Aspects of Uranus in the Solar Return Chart

 

§12.0 - Neptune: Spirituality, Creativity, Self-Deception, Confusion

 

§12.1 - Aspects of Neptune in the Solar Return Chart

 

§13.0 - Pluto: Power, Control, Intense Emotional Experience, Transformation

 

§13.1 - Aspects of Pluto in the Solar Return Chart

 

§14.0 - The Solar Return Part of Fortune

 

§15.0 - Connections between Planets and House Cusps

 

§15.1 - Solar Return Planets with Return House Cusps

 

§15.2 - Solar Return Positions with Natal House Cusps

 

§15.3 - Natal Positions with Solar Return House Cusps

 

 

 

 

 

§1 - Introductory Comments: What is a Solar Return?

 

Introduction

 

You have certainly heard the expression "Many happy returns!"  - a reference to the annual cycle that begins at your date of birth.  The astrological Solar Return is a chart cast for the moment when the Sun returns to the exact position it held in your Natal horoscope.  Each year the Solar Return marks the start of your personal New Year, and astrologers look to the Solar Return horoscope to see what events and issues await you in the year ahead.

 

Astrologers have proposed many methods for interpreting the Solar Return chart.  This report follows the method of Alexandre Volguine (1903-1976), a French astrologer who, in 1937, first published his 15 years of research on Returns.  Until his death in 1976, Volguine continued to update his study of Returns in subsequent editions of his classic text, "LA TECHNIQUE DES REVOLUTIONS SOLAIRES".  For those interested in the astrological theory, the method of Volguine is outlined in the appendix to this report.

 

In accord with Volguine's method, this report is based on a Return chart cast for your location (which may be different from your birth place) when the Sun returns to its position in your Natal chart.  Because we insert an extra day into the calendar every four years during the leap year, your Solar Return may occur either on, or a day before or after, your calendar birthday.

 

If you do not know your exact time of birth, you can still do a general Return chart by using as your presumed "birth time" the exact moment of sunrise on your birth date.  The Solar Return chart calculated from a sunrise birth chart provides a generally accurate astrological forecast for the year ahead; but, if possible, use your actual time of birth to get the most accurate forecast.

 

According to the astrological theory of Solar Returns, the Natal chart represents a basic blueprint of the individual (similar to the DNA within the nucleus of the cell) and the Return chart reveals the annual renewal or reactivation of the Natal chart as measured against both the ongoing movement of the planets and the newly generated set of House cusps at the time the individual's Natal Sun is "reborn" at the annual (SR) birthday.  A key feature of Return chart interpretation involves studying the relationship between the annual Return Houses and the birth chart Houses.

 

Beginning with the next section, this report will review and interpret the major factors identified by Volguine for identifying the themes and events that will dominate your life during the coming year.  The current Solar Return chart actually spans a period of about a year and a half because its influence is felt from three months before the current birthday until three months after next year's birthday.  This three-month transitional overlap between subsequent Returns represents the period when the themes of one year gradually give way to those of the next.

 

 

A note on stressful aspects:

 

In some delineations you will read that an adverse event could occur if the planet being discussed forms discordant aspects in the chart.  The harsh aspects are the semi-square (45 degrees), the square (90 degrees), the sesqui-square (135 degrees), the inconjunct (150 degrees), and the opposition (180 degrees).  In addition, the conjunction (joining together) of certain pairs of planets is intrinsically difficult because of the conflicting nature of the planets involved.  To determine whether a stressful aspect is in effect, you may need to refer to the section where the aspects formed by the planet were first discussed in the report.

 

Into every life a little rain must fall.  Do not be alarmed if negative predictions show up in various sections of this report.  Stressful events often hover as potentials in the background but never materialize.  The repetition of a trend in several parts of the horoscope chart is the key to accurate prediction in astrology.  In general, adverse events occur only when many aspects or configurations repeatedly point toward their manifestation.  If a stressful event is mentioned but once or twice, it is unlikely to manifest.  In any case, forewarned is forearmed.

 

On Aspect Strengths:  Next to the aspects you will often find a listing of the "strength" of the aspect.  The number you see is based on how close the aspect is to being exact.  The higher the number, the more exact the aspect.  The aspects range in strength from a low of about 1 to a high of about 8.  Theoretically, the very close aspects are more likely to manifest in your life.

 

 

Astrological Houses in the Return Chart

 

If you are not familiar with astrology, it will help to know a little about the astrological Houses as you read this report.  You probably know that there are 12 signs of the zodiac.  In a similar way, astrologers divide the horoscope wheel into 12 "Houses," which look like a pie cut into 12 pieces.  Each House represents a particular area of life.  The 1st House starts at the Ascendant, which is the point where the zodiac circle in the heavens crosses the horizon in the east.  By convention the Ascendant lies at the "9 o'clock" point on the circle.  The remaining Houses follow the 1st House in a counterclockwise direction around the wheel so that the 10th House, which symbolizes your career and standing in the world, lies at the very top of the chart.  The entry point into each House is called its cusp.  Below is a list of the twelve Houses and some of their key meanings for reference as you read this report.

 

1st House: your body, personality, personal initiatives, life force.

 

2nd House: money, income, possessions, values.

 

3rd House: communication, analytical thinking, writing, local travel, siblings, neighbors.

 

4th House: home, family, parents, past conditioning, final endings.

 

5th House: fun, romance, recreation, vacations, children, sports, gambling, creative self-expression.

 

6th House: service, health concerns, daily grind, subordinates, tenants, pets.

 

7th House: significant others, consultants, partnerships, contracts, lawsuits, open enemies, the public.

 

8th House: death, sex, taxes, joint finances, surgery, investigation, transformation, occult studies.

 

9th House: higher education, long-distance travel, religion, philosophy, the law, foreign interests, publishing, broadcasting.

 

10th House: career, worldly status, honors, public standing, reputation authority, bosses, parental figures.

 

11th House: friends, hopes & wishes, group involvements.

 

12th House: solitude, imaginative endeavors, confinement, hospitalization, spiritual pursuits, loss of freedom, secret enemies, self-undoing.

 

 

 

 

 

§2.0 - The Solar Return Sun: The Central Focus of the Year

 

General Significance of the Sun

 

The Sun, ruler of Leo, is the most important "planet" in the Return.  The primal energy of the Sun makes possible our life on earth.  The Sun enlivens, asserts, illuminates, vitalizes, promotes, fathers, energizes, individualizes, elevates, and makes conscious.  Astrological aspects involving the Sun show how we achieve (or fail to achieve) honor, status, recognition, achievement, and individuation - how we shine, create, and make our mark on the world.  People signified by the Sun include fathers, husbands, mature men, bosses, authority figures, and people of influence.  In health matters, the Sun symbolizes the heart and the spine.

 

The Return placement and aspects of the Sun may involve us either personally through health matters and life circumstances governed by the Sun, or indirectly through people symbolized by the Sun. We will next look at the zodiacal sign and House positions of the Sun in the Solar Return chart.

 

 

 

Return Sun in Virgo

 

The Return Sun occupies the exact location in the same sign as the Sun in your birth chart.  Having the Sun in meticulous Virgo generally makes you modest, shy, disciplined, discriminating, analytical, practical, reliable, efficient, health conscious, good with details, and fond of helping or serving others.  You are probably a bit apprehensive and feel that you can't be too careful.  Your faults may include worrying too much and being overly fussy, fastidious, and critical of yourself and others.

 

Having considered the sign containing the Sun, we now turn to the Sun's Return House position, which highlights the central themes of the year ahead.

 

 

§2.1 - The House Occupied by the Sun: Major Issues of the Year

 

Return Sun in the Return 7th House

 

The Sun occupies your Return 7th House and places the focus on marriage, partnerships, legal matters, contractual agreements, consultative relationships, and dealings with the general public.  You would do well to seek expert advice and to have those who are more knowledgeable than yourself represent you in any type of binding negotiation.  This is likely to be a year of increased popularity with ample opportunities for socializing, teamwork, and contact with the public.

 

 

§2.2 - The Sun's Aspects in the Solar Return Chart

 

Return Sun conjunct Return Part of Fortune  (Strength:  6.65)

 

This extremely fortunate aspect promises a successful and prosperous year.  You are likely to receive some type of recognition for a job well done.  This is your year to shine.  Honors, awards, prizes, popularity, and increased income often accompany this configuration.

 

 

Return Sun square Return Pluto  (Strength:  2.84)

 

The Sun stressfully aspecting Pluto, the god of the underworld, makes this a fateful year when you may be called upon to deal with forces beyond your control.  This aspect sometimes indicates a crisis that can produce a radical transformation in your personality, sense of identity, and outlook on life.  Sun/Pluto events have a far-reaching impact, and serve as milestones that divide your life into before and after.  Issues related to mortality, power, control, biological urges, childbirth, sexual passion, abuse, and violence come to the fore.  It is not uncommon during such a year to experience a significant loss, to contemplate death, or to deal with the goods of the dead.  You grow personally and view life quite differently as a result of your encounter with the heart of darkness.

 

You could develop an interest in Pluto-ruled matters such as research, healing, sex, elimination, rebirth, dying, psychic phenomena, near-death experiences, or the afterlife.  Concerns about the health or welfare of a parent or authority figure may occupy your attention.  You may find yourself at the mercy of someone who holds a position of power and influence.  Stressful Pluto aspects can also expose you to the risk of violence - natural or man made.  If other aspects suggest health problems, this Sun/Pluto connection could indicate a need for surgery, chemotherapy, or other potent healing methods.  Pluto is a very slow-moving planet and this influence may be felt for several years.

 

 

Return Sun inconjunct Return Neptune  (Strength:  2.77)

 

This can be a year of artistic, musical, poetic, or religious inspiration.  Neptune heightens your intuitive and imaginative creativity.  Glamour, glitz, and illusion may become appealing.  Spiritual experiences could involve you in an increased awareness of hidden dimensions of reality.  You may need to reconsider your pursuit of a cherished dream or ideal.  Events may occur that dissolve the boundaries of your ego, enhance your appreciation of mortality, and make you more cognizant of the universality of human experience.  You may engage in activities that selflessly assist others or promote the common good.  You will want to reserve time alone for reflection, prayer, and meditation.  Neptune is a slow-moving planet and this influence may be felt for several years.

 

This stressful Sun/Neptune aspect warns that the self-sacrifice of Neptune could turn into victimization, paranoia, martyrdom, or deliberate self-harm.  In rare cases, you, or someone close to you, may entertain thoughts of suicide.  You would be wise to shore up your mental health and avoid acting as your own worst enemy.  You may confront issues involving escapism, confusion, self-deception, hopelessness, drug or alcohol abuse, illicit behavior, con games, or loss of touch with reality.  Be sure to stay attuned to your own inner psychological states and motivations.

 

A significant man could pass from your life.  Extra responsibilities for children may arise.  If other factors suggest health problems, this aspect could signify mysterious or difficult-to-diagnose ailments, either physical or emotional, that affect you or a significant other.  On occasion, grief, loss, hospitalization, or confinement may be indicated.

 

 

Return Sun oppose Return Uranus  (Strength:  2.13)

 

The Sun discordantly aspecting Uranus enters your life like a bolt out of the blue, bringing abrupt events, unanticipated disruptions, unsettling news, and shocking events in its wake.  Such happenings can have a major impact on your character, vitality, and individuality.  All Sun/Uranus aspects tend to stimulate your creativity, excitability, self-will, and originality.  Sudden flashes of insight increase your spiritual awareness.  You may become more outspoken, even rebellious, and you might join with others in promoting a cause.  Career breaks, job changes, or periods of unemployment due to layoffs or an inability to work are possible.

 

In the area of relationships, you may experience sudden attachments and equally sudden breakups, estrangements, or partings.  Ongoing connections with others may undergo abrupt fluctuations.  The Sun symbolizes your father and other significant males; the aspect to Uranus could signify unanticipated events, accidents, or separations involving a man in your life.  Stressful Sun/Uranus aspects also expose you to the risk of accidents, injuries, or acute illness.  Be careful while traveling or when using electrical or mechanical equipment.  News about an accident, injury, heart problem, or an untimely death sometimes accompanies this aspect.

 

 

 

 

§3.0 - The Solar Return Ascendant: Personal Themes for the Year

 

The Ascendant-Descendant or East-West Axis in the SR chart

 

The East-West Axis of the astrological map represents the Celestial Horizon.  The Ascendant (in the East) signifies the filter through which you view the world and the manner in which you project your personality toward others.  It also reflects your physical body and your personal initiatives.   The Descendant (in the West) symbolizes your partnerships, close relationships, and the way you get along with other people.

 

Planets that form close aspects with the East-West Axis of the Return chart will color your personality style, personal initiatives, and manner of relating.  The degree of the zodiac rising in the East (the Ascendant) varies with your location on earth at the time of your Solar Return.  If the Return Ascendant receives particularly stressful aspects, some astrologers advise their clients to travel to a location that will minimize or negate those aspects on the day of their Solar Return.  In the following section we consider the influence of the horizon (Ascendant-Descendant) axis in the year ahead.

 

 

 

Return Ascendant in Aquarius

 

Marching to the beat of your own drum

 

Aquarius rising in your Return chart heralds a year when you are able to be original and inventive.  You may be called upon to use your ability to think abstractly and impartially.  Expect to spend lots of time with friends and with groups to which you belong.  Uranus, the modern ruler of Aquarius, often brings surprises, disruptions, and sudden events into the life.  Some people develop a serious interest in computers, technology, astrology, or New Age topics under an Aquarius Ascendant.

 

Because the Ascendant signifies your body, check to see whether the Ascendant itself or the Ascendant's rulers Saturn and Uranus form stressful aspects.  If so, you could experience health problems, nervous conditions, or accidents during the year.  Be especially careful while driving or operating dangerous machinery.  If health difficulties occur, you may become interested in modern advances in medical technology and alternative methods of healing.

 

The Houses of your Natal chart with Aquarius on the cusp as well as the Houses of your Return chart that contain Saturn and Uranus, the co-rulers of Capricorn, indicate areas of your life that will be in high focus during the year.  Planets that form close aspects to Saturn or Uranus in the Return chart indicate the types of people and events involved.

 

Uranus and Saturn are respectively the modern and traditional planetary rulers of the sign Aquarius, Thus, Uranus and Saturn are the rulers of the Ascendant in this year's Return chart.

 

 

§3.1 - The SR House Containing the Planet Ruling the SR Ascendant

 

Return Uranus in the Return 1st House

 

Uranus in the Return 1st House suggests changes in the status quo with regard to your body, physical appearance, health, personal plans, new projects, and sense of personal identity.  You are likely to be more restless, unconventional, and impatient during the year.  Surprising or unexpected changes are in store.  You may adopt a unique or eccentric appearance or manner of self-expression.  Novel concepts and progressive ideas become appealing.

 

 

§3.2 - The Natal House Highlighted by the Solar Return Ascendant

 

Return Ascendant in the Natal 12th House

 

The Natal House placement of this year's Return Ascendant shows where you are most likely to take personal action in the coming year.  Your dominant interests and activities will center on 12th House matters such as spiritual concerns, your inner life, and work done in secret or behind the scenes.  The 12th House also rules clandestine activities and secret love affairs.  There can be a strong emphasis on research, investigation, voluntary isolation, confinement, or retirement.  This is a time when you take a little more time for yourself for reflection, personal space, and relaxation.  Your dreaming world is especially vivid and active. Now is a time to deal with your fears, sorrows, and personal limitations.  Imaginative and creative endeavors are favored at this time.

 

 

§3.3 - Aspects involving the Ascendant in the Solar Return Chart

 

Return Ascendant conjunct Return Neptune  (Strength:  10.09)

 

Neptune conjunct the Return Ascendant acts to dissolve past attitudes toward appearance, physical body, personal initiative, and sense of self.  A person or situation that has been crucial to your sense of identity may pass from your life at this time.  You would be wise to schedule a complete physical this year because chronic, occult, mysterious, or allergic health conditions could come to light.  Be cautious with the use of drugs or alcohol.  On occasion, a period of grief or hospitalization may be indicated.

 

Because the Return Ascendant shows where you take personal action during the year, the House(s) of the Return and Natal charts with Pisces on the cusp will be especially significant during this Return year.

 

 

Return Ascendant trine Return Mercury  (Strength:  6.55)

 

Mercury favorably aspecting the Return Ascendant puts a positive light on communication, education, travel, and commerce.  This year will be full of mental activity, talk, letters, phone calls, writing, travel, movement, busy work, short trips, and frequent comings and goings.  You tend to be more youthful, agile, adaptable, quick-witted, and verbally expressive.  You may teach, take classes, or receive training under this influence.  Pursuing further education can have a beneficial effect on your career.  Activities that require physical movement and dexterity are especially appealing.  You are also likely to have frequent contacts with siblings, young people, kin, neighbors, and members of your local community.  Things that you write or say help to define who you are to others.  A major trip is possible.

 

 

Return Ascendant trine Return Venus  (Strength:  5.89)

 

Venus favorably aspecting the Ascendant brings promise of happy times in your emotional life.  Friendships and social contacts go well.  Your personal popularity is high.  Some enter into marriage or partnerships under this influence.

 

 

Return Ascendant trine Return Mars  (Strength:  4.82)

 

Return Mars favorably aspecting the Ascendant increases your energy, drive, assertiveness, and daring.  You are able to take the initiative in successfully promoting personal projects.  A program of diet and exercise can provide more stamina as well as improve your personal appearance.  Your courage and leadership help you to emerge victorious from challenging situations.  Now would be a good time to engage in activities that require assertiveness or the use of force.

 

 

Return Ascendant conjunct Return Moon's North Node  (Strength:  3.23)

 

Your connections and contacts with others are in high focus.  You could become part of a team of like-minded individuals who unite to pursue a common goal.  Fellowship, collegiality, brotherhood, and sisterhood are important themes at this time.  Someone from your past may re-enter your life and engage you in a serious partnership, perhaps with karmic overtones.  This aspect has a fated quality, and you may feel carried along by forces beyond your control.

 

 

§3.4 - Planets Rising in the First House of the Solar Return Chart

 

Solar Return Planets occupying the Solar Return First House

 

The Return 1st House reveals your yearly personal or psychological activity.  Any planets that occupy the Return 1st House show the nature of your activity and your psychological reactions during the coming year.  If a planet lies close to the Return Ascendant (within 5 degrees), you will have a fair amount of personal control over the action.  Planets in the 1st House that lie further away from the Return Ascendant (more than 5 degrees) indicate that you will have less control and be more at the mercy of the forces symbolized by those planets.

 

The Return planets that occupy your Return 1st House are listed below.  If this section is blank, there are no 1st House planets in your Return chart.

 

 

Return Uranus in the Return 1st House

 

This interpretation appeared previously in section §3.1 - The SR House Containing the Planet Ruling the SR Ascendant.

 

 

Return Neptune in the Return 1st House

 

Neptune in the Return 1st House raises the possibility of some misunderstanding, deception, or confusion with regard to your appearance, sense of self, physical body, or a personal project.  A longstanding situation, relationship, or preoccupation related to such matters may become confusing.  A significant journey may occur this year.  You are likely to be sensitive, moody, romantic, and somewhat impractical.

 

 

 

 

 

§4.0 - The Solar Return Midheaven: Worldly Status, Career, and Public Activity

 

The North-South or Meridian Axis of the Solar Return Chart

 

The North-South or Meridian Axis of the astrological map represents your vocation, public image, parents, and family matters.  The Midheaven at the top of the chart (due south in those charts of the northern hemisphere) symbolizes your career, worldly status, and public activities.  The Imum Coeli (I.C.) at the bottom of the chart signifies your home, your domestic life, and the final conclusion of pending affairs.

 

Planets that form close aspects with the North-South Axis of the Return chart will color vocational and family matters during the year.  The degree of the zodiac on your Return Midheaven depends on your location on earth at the time of your Solar Return.  If the Return Midheaven receives particularly stressful aspects, some astrologers advise their clients to travel to a location that will minimize or negate those aspects on the day of their Solar Return.  In the following section we consider the influence of the meridian axis in your Return chart.

 

 

 

Return Midheaven in Sagittarius

 

The Midheaven in Sagittarius suggests that your career, status, and public activities will involve foresight, inspiration, taking a broad view, and being willing to take risks.  A certain wanderlust and a desire for freedom, adventure, and excitement will pervade your work life.  You are able to sell others on yourself and your ideas.  Work related travel may accompany this placement.

 

The House position of the Return Midheaven's planetary ruler gives further information about your social reputation and vocation in the year ahead.  The planet ruling the Return Midheaven is discussed below.

 

Because the planet Jupiter rules the sign Sagittarius, Jupiter is the ruler of the Midheaven in this year's Return chart.

 

 

§4.1 - The SR House Containing the Planet Ruling the SR Midheaven

 

Return Jupiter in the Return 11th House

 

Return Jupiter in the Return 11th House brings opportunities and benefits through friends, acquaintances, clubs, and organizations.  You can rely on your friends for their help and support, and your circle of friends may increase.  Others value your advice and counsel.  You could become active in fraternal groups and associations.  There may be requests for you to lecture or teach groups of people about your interests.  Income from career should improve, and you may wish to seek a raise or follow up on opportunities for higher paying employment.  You may be invited, or elected, to join a society or to assume a position of leadership in an organization.  A cherished hope could become a reality, and this is an excellent time to practice creative visualization.  Be careful what you wish for, however, because you just might get it.  You may also find ways to carry out your altruistic desires to help those in need and make a better world.  The study of astrology or other New Age topics could expand your horizons.

 

 

§4.2 - The Natal House Highlighted by the Solar Return Midheaven

 

Return Midheaven in the Natal 8th House

 

The Return Midheaven lies at the top of the Return chart where it reveals the actions and circumstances of your life that will be most visible to others during the coming year.  When the Return Midheaven lies in your Natal 8th House, it highlights issues related to intimacy, sexuality, sharing, taxes, loans, inheritances, and joint finances.  You may be called upon to investigate secret or hidden matters.  Typically you will be dealing with some type of transformation and rebirth -- the ending of one phase of your life and the beginning of a new one.  In stressful charts, a need for surgery or other healing interventions may be indicated.  In most cases, an increased interest in healing and developing self-mastery skills is experienced.  It is an excellent year for ridding yourself of a bad habit that has been limiting you or undermining your confidence in yourself and in life.

 

 

§4.3 - Aspects involving the Midheaven in the Solar Return Chart

 

Return Midheaven square Return Saturn  (Strength:  1.80)

 

Return Saturn square the Return Midheaven requires you to be serious and responsible about career, reputation, ambition, public standing, and your role in society.  Expect a year of long hours and hard work, during which you will certainly learn a great deal.  You may feel a strong need to assume authority and to be in control, but it can feel lonely at the top.  Events may occur that compel you to confront feelings of low self-worth, loneliness, or inferiority.  Family matters and domestic concerns may become draining or burdensome.  People of power and influence can give you a hard time.  If you have put in honest effort, this can be a year of great accomplishment; but if you have cut corners along the way, a lowering of your status before the world may ensue.

 

 

Return Midheaven conjunct Natal Mars  (Strength:   2.48 )

 

With the Return Midheaven conjunct your Natal Mars, you will feel a strong drive to succeed in the eyes of the world.  Your personal initiative could lead to some type of public recognition.  This year you are willing to take risks and work courageously as you vigorously go after your worldly ambitions.  However, if you push too hard in pursuing your personal initiatives, you could run into conflict with others, especially those in authority.  This aspect favors Mars-ruled endeavors such as the military, police work, or fire fighting.  Aspects involving Mars, the god of war, always carry some risk of rash behavior, injury, or accidents.  On occasion, this aspect will point to a need for surgery for you, a parent, or an authority figure in your life.  You may take public action regarding matters ruled by the Natal or Return Houses with Aries and Scorpio on the cusp.

 

 

§4.4 - Planets in the Tenth House of the Solar Return Chart

 

SR Planets in the Solar Return Tenth House

 

The Return 10th House relates to career, family, worldly status, and any public actions you take during the year.  The Return planets that occupy the Return 10th House reveal the nature of such public activity and how it may affect your vocational and family life.

 

The Return planets that occupy your Return 10th House are listed below.  If this section is blank, there are no 10th House planets in your Return chart.

 

 

Return Pluto in the Return 10th House

 

Pluto, the planet of radical change and transformation, occupies your Return 10th House of career, business, government, authority, public standing, parental issues, and social responsibility.  Significant changes may occur in your professional life and drastically modify the image you present to the world.  A noteworthy event could drastically alter your public status or bring notoriety.  You may be called upon to assume a position of power, influence, expertise, or leadership.  A significant award or recognition for your efforts is possible.  Conflicts and power struggles with established authorities may also occur.  Experiences related to death, dying, healing, or surgery could occupy your attention.

 

 

 

 

§5.0 - The Solar Return Moon: Your Emotional Life

 

General Significance of the Moon

 

The Moon, ruler of Cancer, receives and reflects the light of the Sun.  As such, the Moon symbolizes the inner, reflective, receptive, emotional, and subconscious aspects of human life.  The Moon represents our feeling states, heredity, instincts, habit patterns, our early experiences with mothering, and our domestic life.  Astrological aspects involving the Moon reveal how we react emotionally, and how we give or receive nurturing and comfort.  People signified by the Moon include mothers, females in general, and the significant women in our lives.  In health matters, the Moon symbolizes cyclic changes, nutrition, and female issues; also, the breasts, the stomach, and the brain matter.

 

The Return placement and aspects of the Moon may involve us either personally through health matters and life circumstances governed by the Moon, or indirectly through people symbolized by the Moon.  Lunar aspects that are said to perfect on a certain date have an orb of a month or longer.  We will next consider the Return zodiacal sign and House placements of the Moon.

 

 

 

Return Moon in Aries

 

The Moon in Aries suggests an active and energetic year in which you feel renewed self-confidence, assertiveness, and enthusiasm to try something new.  You are likely to be quite active and on the go.  Others tend to follow your lead and are likely to feel inspired by your pioneering spirit.  You may come across as self-centered, and you may lack the discipline and endurance to complete new projects that you begin at this time.  Don't let your bright ideas run away with you and try to bolster your follow-through if you wish to optimize your chances for success in the coming year.

 

 

Return Moon in the Return 2nd House

 

The Moon, which reflects your feelings and emotional life, occupies the Return 2nd House of income, values, resources, and personal possessions.  You are likely to feel concerned about emotional and financial security.  Issues of possessiveness and attachment to material goods may occupy your attention.  Fluctuations in income and worries about money and finances are possible.  Your emotions strongly affect your financial judgment, so you should proceed cautiously with any major purchases.  If you have any doubts about a potential investment, seek the advice of a financial expert.  Take stock of your talents and abilities, and take steps to enhance your skills at this time.

 

 

§5.1 - Aspects involving the Moon in the Solar Return Chart

 

Return Moon trine Return Pluto  (Strength:  6.56) - Aspect perfects on 9/28/08.

 

The Moon aspecting Pluto often indicates profound changes in your personality and emotional life.  You may experience great depth of feeling about matters that are dear to your heart.  This could involve coming to understand, on a gut level, the meaning of human mortality.  You will have the opportunity to deal positively with issues of power and control in close relationships.  Personal transformation may come about through your relationships with the women in your life.  Psychological insights and psychic experiences commonly accompany this aspect.

 

 

Return Moon oppose Return Venus  (Strength:  1.34)

 

The Moon discordantly aspecting Venus warns of potential conflict, tension, unpopularity, separation, or lack of appreciation in relationships.  Make a special effort to let significant others know how much you care about them.  You may undergo periods of moodiness and irritability during which you are swayed by emotion and may be unable to think rationally.  Beware of acting against your better judgment and acquiescing to the half-baked, misdirected plans of others.  If you base your actions solely on emotion, you will suffer the consequences at a later date.  Difficulties may arise due to excess, poor judgment, maudlin sentimentality, or overindulgence.  This aspect can correlate with difficulties in a love affair, marriage, partnership, pregnancy, or childbirth.  Make an effort to communicate your needs clearly and to work out your differences with close associates.

 

 

Return Moon trine Natal Venus  (Strength:   6.60 )

 

The Return Moon harmoniously aspecting natal Venus has a very positive effect on your emotional life.  Close relationships are supportive and friendly.  Intimacy comes easily.  Conditions are generally harmonious on the domestic front.  Romance may blossom.

 

 

Return Moon trine Natal Midheaven  (Strength:   3.41 ) - Aspect perfects on 12/18/08.

 

The Return Moon favorably aspecting your natal Midheaven helps you to balance your emotional needs with your professional ambitions.  Your desire to care for others may find expression in your work.  You may form spiritual ties with others.  Opportunities for advancement may come through the women in your life.  There may be positive changes in your career.  Matters related to family, real estate, and your domestic life should proceed smoothly.

 

 

Return Moon trine Natal Jupiter  (Strength:   3.28 )

 

This is a period of enhanced emotionality.  Warmth and generosity characterize relationships with others.  Your intuition is heightened.  The women in your life may be especially supportive, and you tend to be popular with the general public at this time.

 

 

 

 

§6.0 - Mercury: Communication, Writing, Learning, Selling, Short Trips

 

General Significance of Mercury

 

Mercury, ruler of Gemini and Virgo, was the messenger of the gods.  Mercury symbolizes language, communication, the thinking process, the intellect, writing, correspondence, education, commerce, transit, movement, and all means of transport.  Astrological aspects involving Mercury show how we think and communicate our ideas to others; also, how we move about in our community.  People signified by Mercury include writers, communicators, salespersons, students, the young people in our lives, messengers, drivers, neighbors, siblings, and other kin.  In health matters, Mercury symbolizes the tongue, upper extremities, lungs, respiratory system, nervous system, thyroid, and the sense of sight.

 

The Return placement and aspects of Mercury may involve us either personally through health matters and life circumstances governed by Mercury, or indirectly through people symbolized by Mercury.  Travel accidents are often shown by afflictions to Mercury, especially hard aspects involving Mars or Uranus. We will next consider the Return House placement of Mercury.

 

 

Return Mercury in the Return 8th House

 

Mercury, the messenger of the gods, in your Return 8th House of sex, death, surgery, mortality, taxes, debts, penetration, a partner's income, and joint resources brings you many opportunities to learn about such matters during the coming year.  This is an excellent time to pursue occult subjects, investigate psychic phenomena, or do any type of in-depth study and research.  You may wish to learn more about money, investing, insurance, and estate planning in an effort to get your financial house in order.  Your thoughts may turn to matters related to death, dying, and the afterlife; or you could receive an important message related to such matters.  Most likely you would find it productive to explore your unconscious mind and to find ways to deal with pent-up emotions from past hurts and wrongs.  With Mercury in the Return 8th House, there is a possibility of an accident or a need for surgery.  Be careful on the road this year as Mercury, the god of travel, is traversing the Return House of death.

 

 

§6.1 - Aspects of Mercury in the Solar Return Chart

 

Return Mercury trine Return Neptune  (Strength:  7.00)

 

Mercury favorably aspecting Neptune enhances your powers of imagination and enlivens your quest for spiritual truth and psychological understanding.  You are able to intuitively tune into subtle nuances in your environment.  Some of your hunches will prove to be prophetic.  Your rich fantasy life becomes a source of creative inspiration.  Time spent alone, in introspection or meditation, is very productive.  This is an excellent year to learn about and practice meditation, creative visualization, self-hypnosis, or other activities that get you in touch with your subconscious mind.  A longing for far-off regions may lead to a journey abroad.  Artistic, spiritual, and psychological endeavors are especially favored.

 

 

Return Mercury trine Return Ascendant  (Strength:  6.55)

 

This interpretation appeared previously in section §3.3 - Aspects involving the Ascendant in the Solar Return Chart.

 

 

Return Mercury conjunct Return Venus  (Strength:  5.44)

 

When Mercury is joined to Venus, your thoughts turn to love, marriage, friendship, art, music, and the finer things in life.  Your charming manner of speech and self-expression goes a long way to smooth the rough edges in close relationships.  If you have a message to convey to others, your ideas will be well received.  You are passing through a period of pleasant or loving communications.  This is a good time to take a trip for pleasure, attend a concert, or express yourself creatively in poetry or song.

 

 

Return Mercury conjunct Return Mars  (Strength:  5.27)

 

This aspect often indicates a caustic wit and a barbed tongue.  Expect to be involved in lectures, disputes, and discussions during the year.  You can convey your ideas powerfully to others, but some may take offense at something you write or say.  You may be too quick at putting your thoughts into action.  A particular communication or message may carry a sting.  Adventuresome travel could be in the offing.  Young people may be particularly aggressive or rambunctious, bringing upset into your life.

 

 

Return Mercury inconjunct Return Uranus  (Strength:  4.14)

 

Mercury in discord with Uranus often brings sudden disturbing news that may shock you out of your usual mode of thinking.  Young people or siblings can become a source of upset and worry, perhaps because of unanticipated difficulties in their lives.  You will need to watch your tongue and what you communicate.  Something said off the cuff or in haste could result in unanticipated misunderstandings, bad press, or recriminations.  There may be abrupt or unforeseen opportunities to travel; but you should exercise caution on the road, as travel accidents and injuries (whiplash, contusions, etc.) are possible.  Also be careful around electrical apparatus because Mercury stressfully aspecting Uranus is associated with "shocking" events.

 

 

Return Mercury trine Return Moon's North Node  (Strength:  1.68)

 

Mercury favorably aspecting the Moon's North Node brings you into harmonious contact with people through your mental, verbal, and communication skills.  This will be an intellectually stimulating year in which you can exchange ideas with many others.

 

 

Return Mercury sextile Natal Jupiter  (Strength:   0.99 )

 

Intellectual tasks should go well.  Also favored are buying and selling, negotiating, and commercial dealings.  You absorb knowledge readily and easily.  Travel is possible.  This is an excellent time to study religion, law, philosophy, and other mind-expanding subjects.  Writing, teaching, and publishing can be rewarding.

 

 

 

 

 

§7.0 - Venus: Love, Money, Values, Relationships, Art, Beauty

 

General Significance of Venus

 

Venus, ruler of Taurus and Libra, was the goddess of love and beauty. Venus symbolizes attraction, romance, partnerships, social life, affection, harmony, fashion, art, style, luxury, money, possessions, indulgences, and sensual pleasures.  Astrological aspects involving Venus show how we give and receive love, especially of the romantic sort; also, how we manage our finances, find pleasure, and adorn ourselves.  People signified by Venus include lovers, wives, important women in our lives, artists, decorators, musicians, and anyone dedicated to the pursuit of beauty and/or pleasure.  In health matters, Venus symbolizes problems of self-indulgence; also, the throat, the kidneys, the lower back or lumbar region, the parathyroids, and the sense of touch.

 

The Return placement and aspects of Venus may involve us either personally through health matters and life circumstances governed by Venus, or indirectly through people symbolized by Venus. We will next consider the House placement of Venus.

 

 

Return Venus in the Return 8th House

 

Benefic Venus occupying your 8th House has a fortunate effect on the areas of joint finances, shared resources, sex, death, inheritance, taxes, research, and occult interests.  Social contacts may involve you in psychic or paranormal experiences.  Sexual opportunities may be plentiful and, most likely, will be intense.  Power struggles could arise in close relationships.  A spouse or partner may enjoy increased earnings, but may also be tempted to spend more on luxury items.  You can exert a beneficial influence on a partner's management of money and resources.

 

This is a good time to get your financial house in order.  You may wish to pay off old debts, refinance your mortgage, make a sensible budget, review your insurance needs, or do estate planning.  On occasion, Venus in the 8th will signify the receipt of a loan, a tax rebate, an inheritance, or some other boost to your finances.  If Venus in the 8th House forms stressful aspects, it could signify a financial loss or the passing of an important relationship from your life during the year.

 

 

§7.1 - Aspects of Venus in the Solar Return Chart

 

Return Venus trine Return Neptune  (Strength:  8.12)

 

Venus favorably aspecting Neptune is an excellent aspect for any type of artistic, musical, spiritual, psychological, or creative endeavor.  Under this influence you could find and fall in love with the person of your dreams.  Benefits come through paying attention to your dreams and intuitions.  Mystical experiences sometimes accompany this aspect.

 

 

Return Venus trine Return Ascendant  (Strength:  5.89)

 

This interpretation appeared previously in section §3.3 - Aspects involving the Ascendant in the Solar Return Chart.

 

 

Return Venus conjunct Return Mercury  (Strength:  5.44)

 

This interpretation appeared previously in section §6.1 - Aspects of Mercury in the Solar Return Chart.

 

 

Return Venus conjunct Return Mars  (Strength:  3.70)

 

Venus, the goddess of love, conjunct phallic Mars in your Return chart is an indicator of sexual tension, libidinal attraction, and competitiveness in relationships.  A love affair is possible, as this aspect increases your sensuality, sex appeal, and animal magnetism.  Now is a good time to engage in creative projects and to join with others in pursuing a common goal.

 

 

Return Venus inconjunct Return Uranus  (Strength:  2.57)

 

Venus inharmoniously aspecting Uranus brings some level of excitement, or possibly disruptions, to your friendships, romantic attachments, and close personal ties.  A breakup or unexpected falling out with a lover is possible.  However, a new love affair that appears to come "out of the blue" is just as possible.  Brief love affairs with abrupt endings sometimes occur, as this aspect inclines you to act on a whim when it comes to attraction, love, and spending money.  Children with this aspect in their Return chart may experience the separation or divorce of their parents.  Artistic, literary, or musical creations may have a shocking effect.  Sudden changes in financial status are possible.  This aspect may also correlate with an unexpected pregnancy or the birth of a child. Most of the time, however, this aspect indicates a stronger taste for the unusual in one's social and romantic life.

 

 

Return Venus oppose Return Moon  (Strength:  1.34)

 

This interpretation appeared previously in section §5.1 - Aspects involving the Moon in the Solar Return Chart.

 

 

Return Venus sextile Natal Jupiter  (Strength:   2.56 )

 

This is a favorable aspect that promises periods of happiness and good fortune during the year.

 

 

 

 

§8.0 - Mars: Initiative, Leadership, Drive, Passion, Energy

 

General Significance of Mars

 

Mars, ruler of Aries and Scorpio, was the god of war.  Mars symbolizes initiative, courage, action, daring, aggression, leadership, drive, physical energy, heat, sexual passion, and the willingness to face challenges.  Astrological aspects involving Mars show how we act independently, pioneer ideas, assert ourselves, and deal with competition.  People signified by Mars include young men, husbands, leaders, warriors, and important men in our lives; also, those who regularly use force, tools, or weapons in their work.  In health matters, Mars symbolizes fevers, cuts, wounds, the head, the muscular system, red blood cells, the gonads, urogenital system, adrenal gland, and the sense of taste.

 

The Return placement and aspects of Mars may involve us either personally through health matters and life circumstances governed by Mars, or indirectly through people symbolized by Mars. We will next consider the Return zodiacal sign and House placements of Mars.

 

 

Return Mars in Libra

 

The planet Mars symbolizes your energy, drive, and personal initiative.  The zodiacal sign in the Return chart that hosts the planet Mars modifies how you are able to assert yourself, confront obstacles, and face challenges in the year ahead.  With Return Mars in harmonious Libra, your energy is easily directed into teamwork, social engagements, and cooperative ventures.  You are willing to fight for fairness and justice.  Balance and harmony become important aspects of your work life.  A tendency toward indecisiveness may accompany this placement.

 

 

Return Mars in the Return 8th House

 

Taking action regarding joint finances, sex, death, and personal transformation

 

Mars, the action planet, shows where you direct your energy.  This location of Mars reflects a time when you can effectively deal with joint finances, mortgages, loans, taxes, escrows accounts, inheritances, jointly held property, insurance, a partner's income, or related financial matters.  The management of joint monies and shared resources can become a bone of contention.  You may wish to do estate planning, prepare a will, review your insurance needs, and go over your investment strategy with a financial advisor.  The Houses of the Return chart with Aries or Scorpio on the cusp will reveal areas of your life that require financial attention.

 

Research, investigation, and in-depth studies are favored.  Your sex life is likely to pick up, and reasonable caution is warranted to prevent sexually transmitted disease.  You may be called upon to deal with matters related to birth, transformation, power, control, elimination, and psychological understanding.  This is a time of radical personal transformation.  You can rid your life of accumulated junk, settle old debts, or eliminate anything that has outlived its usefulness.  An urge to study the occult, psychic phenomena, or near-death experiences might surface.  Steer clear of any type of illicit or criminal activity.

 

In rare cases and if other factors concur, there could be a need for surgery, healing, or counseling during this Return year.

 

 

 

§8.1 - Aspects of Mars in the Solar Return Chart

 

Return Mars conjunct Return Mercury  (Strength:  5.27)

 

This interpretation appeared previously in section §6.1 - Aspects of Mercury in the Solar Return Chart.

 

 

Return Mars trine Return Ascendant  (Strength:  4.82)

 

This interpretation appeared previously in section §3.3 - Aspects involving the Ascendant in the Solar Return Chart.

 

 

Return Mars trine Return Neptune  (Strength:  4.49)

 

Return Mars favorably aspecting Neptune is an indicator of heightened intuition and creative inspiration.  Musicians, artists, and creative writers can be very productive in such a year.  Pay attention to your gut feelings, which will, more often than not, give you valuable information.  If you are involved in sales, you will be able to tune into your client's inner desires and motivations.  Sexual activity, perhaps with an idealized partner, will take on a dreamlike aura.  Spiritual matters will draw your attention, and you would be wise to review your life from a broad spiritual perspective.  Time spent in meditation and contemplation is especially valuable.  Charitable activities directed toward rendering service and improving the lot of those who are ill or disadvantaged are particularly favored.

 

 

Return Mars conjunct Return Venus  (Strength:  3.70)

 

This interpretation appeared previously in section §7.1 - Aspects of Venus in the Solar Return Chart.

 

 

Return Mars trine Return Moon's North Node  (Strength:  3.41)

 

With Mars harmoniously aspecting the Moon's North Node, you have extra energy available for teamwork and collaboration with others.  You are able to cooperate actively with colleagues who are working toward a common goal.  This aspect is also likely to stir your passions and increase your desire for sexual union with another person.  Getting engaged or married are potential outcomes.

 

 

Return Mars inconjunct Return Uranus  (Strength:  3.13)

 

Mars discordantly aspecting Uranus warns of sudden outbursts of forceful or violent energy that could have negative consequences in your life.  You may undergo periods of stress, turmoil, or tension during which you are tempted to act precipitously.  Bouts of anger, combativeness, or abrupt applications of force can abruptly throw you off course.  The aggressive energy of this aspect may be self-generated or may be directed toward you from other people.  You would do well to think before you act and to seek professional advice rather than acting on impulse.

 

There is a possibility of accidents, falls, burns, cuts, injuries, wounds, or surgical operations, which could involve either you or someone you care for.  You may feel a strong desire to break free of restrictions, and you are more than ready to fight for the right to express your individuality.  If not used carefully, motor vehicles, guns, weapons, tools, ladders, and mechanical devices could pose a risk of harm to self or others.

 

 

Return Mars conjunct Natal Mercury  (Strength:   2.51 )

 

Return Mars conjunct Natal Mercury lends wit and dynamism to your communication style.  This Return year's verbal vigor is great if you're in sales, advertising, or politics; but it can also lead to rash speech, quarrels, and verbal provocation.  Although you are better able to promote your ideas, you are also more prone to say things that you will later regret.  As Mercury is a god of travel, Mars here also suggests adventuresome trips and feats of derring-do.  Success comes through the use of your skills, enterprising spirit, quick thinking, and determination.

 

 

 

 

 

§9.0 - Jupiter: Opportunities for Growth and Expansion

 

General Significance of Jupiter

 

Jupiter, ruler of Sagittarius and Pisces, was king of the gods on Mount Olympus.  Jupiter symbolizes good fortune, benevolence, expansion, learning, publishing, wisdom, long-distance travel, foreign interests, further education, philosophy, religion, and the broadening of one's horizons.  Astrological aspects involving Jupiter show opportunities for advancement, potentials for growth, and our willingness to gather new experience.  People signified by Jupiter include mature men, judges, lawyers, physicians, clergy, university professors, politicians, and those who have achieved positions of prominence or influence in their fields.  In health matters, Jupiter symbolizes problems due to excess; also, the liver, pituitary gland, thighs, blood, arteries, and the sense of smell.

 

The Return placement and aspects of Jupiter may involve us either personally through health matters and life circumstances governed by Jupiter, or indirectly through people symbolized by Jupiter. We will next consider the Return House placement of Jupiter.

 

 

Return Jupiter in the Return 11th House

 

This interpretation appeared previously in section §4.1 - The SR House Containing the Planet Ruling the SR Midheaven.

 

 

§9.1 - Aspects of Jupiter in the Solar Return Chart

 

Return Jupiter trine Return Saturn  (Strength:  5.05)

 

Jupiter favorably aspecting Saturn correlates with events that further your career and improve your standing in the world.  This can be a year of sustained and steady progress.  You may have an opportunity to travel for educational or occupational advancement.

 

 

Return Jupiter square Natal Mercury  (Strength:   3.07 )

 

Your mind is full of ideas pressing for expression.  Channel this energy into constructive thought and communication.  Watch what you say because it may be blown out of proportion.

 

 

Return Jupiter square Natal Saturn  (Strength:   2.39 )

 

Jupiter gives and Saturn takes away.  You are likely to be confronted with difficult choices that pit spiritual gains against material benefits.  Satisfying your obligations responsibly can lead to much progress.

 

 

 

 

§10.0 - Saturn: Duty, Responsibility, Important Lessons, Hardship, Limitations

 

General Significance of Saturn - The Great Teacher

 

Saturn, ruler of Capricorn and Aquarius, wrested power from his father Uranus by castrating the ruling father sky-god and casting his genitals into the sea.  Saturn symbolizes ambition, responsibility, stability, duty, discipline, boundaries, rules, and regulations. It also represents crystallization, aging, death, fears, restrictions, hard things, the reality principle, and lessons that we must learn.  Astrological aspects involving Saturn show how we build structure in our lives and how we deal with the inevitable limitations and losses that life brings.  People signified by Saturn include parents, teachers, taskmasters, older individuals, government officials, bosses, and those of a serious disposition.  In health matters, Saturn symbolizes blockages, hardening, obstructions, and acid formation; also, the skin, teeth, bones, joints, spleen, gall bladder, knees, the vagus nerve, and the sense of hearing.

 

The Return placement and aspects of Saturn may involve us either personally through health matters and life circumstances governed by Saturn, or indirectly through people symbolized by Saturn.  Look to Saturn to see where your major struggles will occur in the year ahead. We will next consider the Return House placement of Saturn.

 

 

Return Saturn in the Return 7th House

 

Return Saturn occupying the Return 7th House makes you serious and responsible about marriage, partnerships, close relationships, contractual agreements, and contacts with the public.  This may be the year when you settle down, get married, or enter into a long-standing business partnership.  Existing marriages or similar relationships may undergo a period of trial and testing, sometimes ending in a decision to split up.  You could be called upon to mediate or arbitrate a dispute.  Some type of legal obligation may arise.  You could experience difficulties or added responsibilities in close relationships, legal contracts, or dealings with the public.  A trusted advisor or consultant may decide to retire and thus no longer be available to give you support.

 

 

§10.1 - Aspects of Saturn in the Solar Return Chart

 

Return Saturn trine Return Jupiter  (Strength:  5.05)

 

This interpretation appeared previously in section §9.1 - Aspects of Jupiter in the Solar Return Chart.

 

 

Return Saturn square Return Midheaven  (Strength:  1.80)

 

This interpretation appeared previously in section §4.3 - Aspects involving the Midheaven in the Solar Return Chart.

 

 

Return Saturn inconjunct Return Moon's North Node  (Strength:  1.62)

 

With Saturn inconjunct the Moon's South Node this year, you may undergo events that force you to take time out while you face your fears and reflect on your purpose in life.  There may be times when you feel isolated and cut off in your relations with others.  Something essential in your life may feel lacking.  This aspect suggests the need to reset your priorities.  The more you resist personal growth, the more likely it is that experiences will compel you to confront reality and face your limits. However, if you examine what it is in your life that needs adjustments, you can be proactive and eliminate some of the frivolous things in your life that are holding you back from success so that you get your priorities straight.

 

 

Return Saturn conjunct Natal Pluto  (Strength:   0.01 )

 

Return Saturn aspecting Natal Pluto acts to alter the basic structure of your life.  Events occur that cause transformation in your personality and force you to confront the limits of power and authority.  You are prone to overwork, and you could undergo some changes in your career.  Power struggles may test the limits of legitimate authority.  Concerns about a parent, authority figure, or parental figure could occupy your time.  Transformation and some restrictions could arise with regard to matters ruled by the Natal House(s) with Scorpio on the cusp.

 

 

 

 

 

§11.0 - Uranus: Novelty, Originality, Jolts, Disruptions

 

General Significance of Uranus - The Awakener

 

Uranus, ruler of Aquarius, was the original sky-god who was castrated by his son Saturn in a coup to usurp his power.  Venus-Aphrodite was born of the white foam that spread around Uranus' discarded genitals in the sea.  Uranus symbolizes sudden shocking events, electrifying change, willful independence, separations, originality, inventiveness, modern technology, and progressive thinking. The action of Uranus is abruptly and without warning to shatter the old structure built by Saturn.

 

Astrological aspects involving Uranus show how and where sudden change, excitement, and disruption come into our lives; also, where we are likely to rebel against the past and strike out to do our own thing.  People signified by Uranus include scientists, modernists, astrologers, reformers, inventors, eccentrics, and those who insist on marching to the unique beat of their own drum.  In health matters, Uranus symbolizes strokes and accidents; also, the ankles and calves.

 

The Return placement and aspects of Uranus may involve us either personally through health matters and life circumstances governed by Uranus, or indirectly through people symbolized by Uranus.  Look to Uranus to see where you can expect the unexpected in the coming year. We will next consider the Return House placement of Uranus.

 

 

Return Uranus in the Return 1st House

 

This interpretation appeared previously in section §3.1 - The SR House Containing the Planet Ruling the SR Ascendant.

 

 

§11.1 - Aspects of Uranus in the Solar Return Chart

 

Return Uranus inconjunct Return Mercury  (Strength:  4.14)

 

This interpretation appeared previously in section §6.1 - Aspects of Mercury in the Solar Return Chart.

 

 

Return Uranus inconjunct Return Mars  (Strength:  3.13)

 

This interpretation appeared previously in section §8.1 - Aspects of Mars in the Solar Return Chart.

 

 

Return Uranus inconjunct Return Venus  (Strength:  2.57)

 

This interpretation appeared previously in section §7.1 - Aspects of Venus in the Solar Return Chart.

 

 

Return Uranus oppose Return Sun  (Strength:  2.13)

 

This interpretation appeared previously in section §2.2 - The Sun's Aspects in the Solar Return Chart.

 

 

Return Uranus oppose Natal Pluto  (Strength:   5.85 )

 

Return Uranus in hard aspect to Natal Pluto enhances your originality, inventiveness, restlessness, and desire for personal freedom.  Painstaking investigation and in-depth research can yield sudden flashes of insight.  You may be asking yourself questions such as, "What is my destiny?" or "Am I fulfilling my purpose in life?

 

Because this is a stressful aspect, however, drastic changes could abruptly alter your life.  The old order may collapse and give way to a new way of being in the world.  Disruption could result from the eruption of powerful emotions or from sudden applications of force.  You may feel tempted to dramatically overthrow the past to create a new life, but be careful not to throw the baby out with the bath water.  A great deal of soul searching is necessary to successfully weather this period.

 

 

Return Uranus trine Natal Neptune  (Strength:   4.33 )

 

This influence opens your mind to mysterious, occult, and spiritual ideas.  You become attuned to altered states of consciousness and different dimensions of reality.  This can be a time when you pursue your ideals and altruistic desires.

 

 

Return Uranus oppose Natal Uranus  (Strength:   1.63 )

 

This aspect occurs in your early 40s and acts like a wake-up call, often ushering in a period of midlife crisis.  You review where you have come in your life and where you are headed.  You may feel a sense of urgency to get on with some important goal.  You now realize that you are at an important (mid)point in the life cycle as you leave your youth behind and enter solidly into middle-age.

 

 

 

 

 

§12.0 - Neptune: Spirituality, Creativity, Self-Deception, Confusion

 

General Significance of Neptune

 

Neptune, ruler of Pisces, was the god of the oceans.  Neptune symbolizes boundlessness, intuition, psychic sensitivity, compassion, spirituality, sleep, unreality, creative imagination, artistic inspiration, fantasy, illusion, Hollywood, subconscious processes, fog, confusion, self-sacrifice, and self-defeating attitudes.  Astrological aspects involving Neptune show how we attune to the feelings of others, use our imaginations, distort our perceptions, undo our own efforts, and also how we deal with the dissolution of old structures in our lives.  People signified by Neptune include poets, artists, dreamers, musicians, mystics, spiritualists, idealists, sensitives, and those who compassionately tend to the needy.  In health matters, Neptune symbolizes the feet, sleep difficulties, intoxicants, mental disorders, and problems with drugs and alcohol.

 

The Return placement and aspects of Neptune may involve us either personally through health matters and life circumstances governed by Neptune, or indirectly through people symbolized by Neptune. We will next consider the Return House placement of Neptune.

 

 

Return Neptune in the Return 1st House

 

This interpretation appeared previously in section §3.4 - Planets Rising in the First House of the Solar Return Chart.

 

 

§12.1 - Aspects of Neptune in the Solar Return Chart

 

Return Neptune conjunct Return Ascendant  (Strength:  10.09)

 

This interpretation appeared previously in section §3.3 - Aspects involving the Ascendant in the Solar Return Chart.

 

 

Return Neptune trine Return Venus  (Strength:  8.12)

 

This interpretation appeared previously in section §7.1 - Aspects of Venus in the Solar Return Chart.

 

 

Return Neptune trine Return Mercury  (Strength:  7.00)

 

This interpretation appeared previously in section §6.1 - Aspects of Mercury in the Solar Return Chart.

 

 

Return Neptune trine Return Mars  (Strength:  4.49)

 

This interpretation appeared previously in section §8.1 - Aspects of Mars in the Solar Return Chart.

 

 

Return Neptune inconjunct Return Sun  (Strength:  2.77)

 

This interpretation appeared previously in section §2.2 - The Sun's Aspects in the Solar Return Chart.

 

 

Return Neptune square Natal Neptune  (Strength:   4.86 )

 

Return Neptune square Natal Neptune often pinpoints the year of your midlife crisis.  Events may occur that compel you to review where you have come from and where you are going with your life.  Feelings of disillusionment about your progress can occur at this time.  The message here is to take stock of what you value and what you want to achieve in life.  Consider especially how you are meeting your spiritual needs and what you are giving back to humanity.

 

 

Return Neptune oppose Natal Jupiter  (Strength:   3.66 )

 

You tend to be overly idealistic and easily swayed by others.  Beware of starry-eyed romanticism, and don't let yourself get conned by promises that are too good to be true.  Foolish speculation and unwise risks can see your hard-earned money going up in smoke.

 

 

 

 

 

§13.0 - Pluto: Power, Control, Intense Emotional Experience, Elimination, Radical Transformation

 

General Significance of Pluto

 

Pluto, ruler of Scorpio, was the Greek Hades, lord of the underworld.  He abducted and raped Persephone - an action that ultimately brought about the season of winter on earth.  Pluto symbolizes power, control, domination, the management of joint resources, penetration, unconscious processes, irresistible forces; also, uprooting, elimination, death, regeneration, rebirth, radical transformation, and the ending of a phase of life.  Astrological aspects involving Pluto reveal which deeply buried factors in our lives need to be brought to the surface so that they can be reviewed, reworked, transformed, or eliminated.  People signified by Pluto include miners, psychoanalysts, occultists, undertakers, money managers, and anyone whose work involves exposing that which is concealed or hidden.  In health matters, Pluto symbolizes the gallbladder, the sex organs, the organs of elimination, and the body's ability to restore itself.

 

The Return placement and aspects of Pluto may involve us either personally through health matters and life circumstances governed by Pluto, or indirectly through people symbolized by Pluto. We will next consider the Return House placement of Pluto.

 

 

Return Pluto in the Return 10th House

 

This interpretation appeared previously in section §4.4 - Planets in the Tenth House of the Solar Return Chart.

 

 

§13.1 - Aspects of Pluto in the Solar Return Chart

 

Return Pluto trine Return Moon  (Strength:  6.56) - Aspect perfects on 9/28/08.

 

This interpretation appeared previously in section §5.1 - Aspects involving the Moon in the Solar Return Chart.

 

 

Return Pluto square Return Sun  (Strength:  2.84)

 

This interpretation appeared previously in section §2.2 - The Sun's Aspects in the Solar Return Chart.

 

 

Return Pluto square Natal Moon  (Strength:   5.90 )

 

This aspect marks a time of emotionality and, sometimes, inner turmoil that can lead to profound changes in your personality.  Issues of power, control, and manipulation may come up in close relationships.  Beware of emotional blackmail.  You are likely to get serious about domestic matters.  Obsessing over problems and fears of betrayal should be avoided.

 

 

Return Pluto trine Natal Venus  (Strength:   5.15 )

 

This aspect has a profound impact on your most intimate relationships.  Love and close emotional ties play a dominant role in your life and bring about personal transformation.  You may experience a sexual flowering, or at least a broadening and deepening of your experience of human sexuality.  Any type of creative or artistic endeavor is favored.

 

 

Return Pluto trine Natal Moon's North Node  (Strength:   5.01 )

 

Return Pluto aspecting your Natal Moon's North Node may involve you in public life or in associations with others who share your interests in pursuing a common goal.  Attempts to gain public influence can meet with success.  In terms of Jungian psychology, you may grow personally as a result of confronting the Shadow side of your personality.  Sometimes this influence can bring people of a shady character into your life.  Avoid individuals who might put you in danger or try to engage you in illicit behavior.

 

 

Return Pluto conjunct Natal Midheaven  (Strength:   3.85 )

 

This could be a year of changes affecting your career and worldly standing, as you shift your focus on profresional levels.  A prominent Pluto can also indicate a year in which you learn much about your own inner workings, or confront your inner demons. You abhor superficiality this year, and you are likely to take steps towards expressing yourself in a more authentic manner, especially professionally.

 

 

Return Pluto trine Natal Jupiter  (Strength:   1.84 )

 

Return Pluto in pleasant aspect to Natal Jupiter can change your life for the better in far-reaching ways.  Improvements are likely in your material well-being.  Sexual opportunities may present themselves.  Profound spiritual or religious experiences are possible.

 

 

Return Pluto square Natal Uranus  (Strength:   1.34 )

 

This aspect affects your entire age group.  You are forced to confront and adapt to many changes in society.  It is best to let go of whatever no longer serves a useful purpose in your life.

 

 

Return Pluto square Natal Ascendant  (Strength:   1.14 )

 

Return Pluto square your natal Ascendant has a profound impact on close personal relationships.  You are likely to change and grow dramatically through your partnerships and closest ties with others.  Major changes in your personality are likely at this time.

 

 

 

 

§14.0 - The Solar Return Part of Fortune

 

Return Part of Fortune in Virgo

 

The Return Part of Fortune is a benefic point whose location in the chart is based on the relative positions of the Sun, Moon, and Ascendant in this year's Return.  It symbolizes those areas of life that are likely to be especially profitable and productive in the year ahead.  Knowing where your greatest benefit lies will allow you to focus your energies so that you can achieve a greater measure of success.

 

When in Virgo, the Part of Fortune advises you to make optimal use of your capacity for logic, analysis, efficiency, reliability, methodical work, and critical thinking.

 

 

Return Part of Fortune in the Return 7th House

 

The Part of Fortune in the Return 7th House indicates success in marriage and partnerships.  Benefits arise through cooperative ventures with others.  Offering your goods and services before the public may bring rewards.

 

 

Return Part of Fortune conjunct Return Sun  (Strength:  6.65)

 

This interpretation appeared previously in section §2.2 - The Sun's Aspects in the Solar Return Chart.

 

 

Return Part of Fortune conjunct Natal Uranus  (Strength:   6.15 )

 

With the Return Part of Fortune on Natal Uranus, get ready for a pleasant surprise or a stroke of luck that feels almost too good to be true.   Success in technological or New Age endeavors comes easily under this influence.

 

 

Return Part of Fortune conjunct Natal Pluto  (Strength:   3.63 )

 

The Return Part of Fortune conjunct Natal Pluto can produce a windfall or a marked improvement in your financial circumstances.  Any type of investigation, research, or in-depth study is likely to go well.

 

 

 

 

§15.0 - Connections between Planets and House Cusps

 

Alignments of Planets with House Cusps

 

The House cusps are power points in the chart, and any planet that aligns closely with a House cusp will be especially prominent in the year ahead.  Planet to House cusp alignments often portend specific events whose nature combines the symbolism of the planet and the House involved.

 

The three sections that follow will look at the contacts, if any, (1) between Return planets and Return House cusps; (2) between Return planets and Natal House cusps; and finally, (3) between Natal planets and Return House cusps.

 

When comparing the Solar Return and the natal charts, any close alignment between a planet and a House cusp is highly significant.  In fact, the conjunctions of planets with House cusps in the superimposed natal and return charts usually pinpoint the major factors that will be operative during the year.   Pay close attention to the following three sections because they highlight the specific events that you will need to deal with in the coming Solar Return period.

 

 

§15.1 - Return Planets connected with SR House Cusps

 

Solar Return Planets Connected with Solar Return House Cusps

 

This section considers the influence of any planet or point in the Solar Return chart that forms a close connection with a House cusp in the Solar Return chart.

 

 

Return Pluto conjunct Return 11th House  (Strength:   5.42 )

 

Return Pluto conjunct the 11th House cusp intensifies your relationships with friends and brings powerful connections with groups of like-minded individuals.  Personal transformation is likely to come about through your close friendships and group involvements.  Sometimes this configuration acts through the opposite 5th House, and you are transformed and renewed through your dealings with children.  Be careful to avoid a controlling or domineering stance in relationships with others.  On occasion, this configuration will coincide with the loss of a friend during the Return year.

 

 

Return Mars conjunct Return 8th House  (Strength:   1.46 )

 

Mars conjunct the Return 8th cusp increases your sexual vigor and desire.  When not satisfying your biological urges, you have plenty of energy left over for research, financial management, dealing with joint resources, or pursuing occult studies.  Assertive Mars can lead, at times, to contentious involvement with taxes, loans, joint finances, insurance, inheritances, or goods of the dead.  On occasion, this placement of Mars may also indicate surgery, childbirth, or intensive healing techniques.

 

 

 

 

§15.2 - Return Positions connected with Natal House Cusps

 

Solar Return Planets or Points Connected with Natal House Cusps

 

This section considers the influence of any planet or point in the Solar Return chart that forms a close connection with a House cusp in the Natal chart.

 

 

Return Midheaven conjunct Natal 9th House Cusp  (Strength:   6.46 )

 

The Return Midheaven falling on your Natal 9th House cusp highlights matters related to the law, publishing, broadcasting, higher education, religion, and contacts with foreigners or people at a distance.  There may be an opportunity for travel, especially if related to business.  Opportunities for professional advancement may come through the relatives of your mate.  You could attend college level classes in such a year.

 

 

Return Ascendant conjunct Natal 12th House  (Strength:   6.26 )

 

Looking within

 

The Return Ascendant conjunct your Natal 12th House cusp puts a strong emphasis on introspection, creativity, spirituality, and your inner life.  It will be important to schedule periods for rest and relaxation.  Meditation, contemplation, prayer, and reflection can be very productive.  You can enjoy, and perhaps engage in, music, art, poetry, dance, and other imaginative productions.  This would be a good time to pursue a personal growth process such as psychotherapy to deal with personal limitations and modes of self-undoing. 

 

 

Return Neptune conjunct Natal 12th House Cusp  (Strength:   4.54 )

 

Return Neptune conjunct the Natal 12th House cusp puts a strong emphasis on your inner life and spiritual development.  This can be a significant year for achieving psychological and spiritual understanding.  It will be important to spend time in contemplation, prayer, or meditation.  Such activity can produce important insights into the meaning of life and the hidden dimensions of reality.  Personal growth will result from compassionate service to those who are in need, and you may find yourself caring for a person who is sick or confined during the year.  You are also advised to let go of unhealthy attachments to purely material ambitions and constricting relationships.  Sometimes this detaching process is painful, depressing, or confusing; but in the end you will be better off for having allowed yourself to grieve the loss.

 

 

Return Moon's North Node conjunct Natal 12th House  (Strength:   3.98 )

 

Exploring inner space

 

With the Return Moon's North Node falling on your Natal 12th cusp, one of your challenges this year will be to explore your inner life and deepen your spiritual connection to the universe.  You may wish to take up yoga or meditation.  Don't be afraid to spend time alone.  Balance your work with periods of respite and contemplation.

 

 

 

 

 

§15.3 - Natal Positions connected with Return House Cusps

 

Natal Planets or Points Connected with Solar Return House Cusps

 

This section considers the influence of any planet or point in the Natal chart that forms a close connection with a House cusp in the Solar Return chart.

 

 

Natal Mercury conjunct Return 8th House  (Strength:   5.95 )

 

Thinking about profound matters

 

With Natal Mercury on the Return 8th House cusp, you are likely to do some serious thinking about psychological issues and personal transformation.  Now is a time to look deep within and ponder the mysteries of life, death, and human mortality.  Your thoughts are also likely to focus on financial matters, jointly held property, and the management of your estate.  In addition, sexuality, healing, and intensive forms of therapy are 8th House matters that may call for your attention.  Be careful on the road, as travel accidents are possible.

 

 

Natal Midheaven conjunct Return 11th House  (Strength:   5.43 )

 

A time to network with others